Varley: Selections from the Permanent Collection

June 3 - September 6, 2010

 

June 3 – September 6, 2010

A selection of drawings and paintings from the Gallery’s permanent collection form this installation featuring works from the last two decades of Varley’s life and celebrate his connection with Unionville.  Research points out that in the early 1950s Varley’s personal life stabilized after he met Kathleen and Donald McKay and was invited into their home. While living with them, first in Toronto and then in Unionville, Kathy took him on several painting excursions in Ontario and also to British Columbia, to Creston and the Kootenays in the interior. Varley’s landscapes from this period continue to display his keen observation of the immediate surroundings and his attention to detail. His palette changed though and he began using more war, earthly colours, abandoning his favourite use of green and purple. Kathy became a true inspiration for Varley and he painted numerous drawings and paintings of her over the years.